Police Search For Arsonist After String Of Overnight Fires
Posted January 25, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Police have confirmed the worst after a series of early-morning blazes: they were the work of an arsonist.
In a mere 22 minutes, firefighters responded to six fires in the Bloor and Jane Street area Sunday. Investigators believe they were deliberately set by someone living in the neighbourhood.
“It was just after four this morning. Our neighbour here was banging on our door. I thought it was a robber. He said you’ve got to get out. I looked outside and the carport was full of fire and smoke, and we ran outside at that point,” revealed homeowner Jonathon Rickard.
The first five fires caused minimal damage. But, the last fire, started in a carport at 2 Underwood Ave., will cost insurance companies an estimated $200,000.
“It seems the pattern of the arsonist is in the night, they begin. They start out small and escalate,” explained Detective Judy Nosworthy.
Luckily, there were no deaths or serious injuries. But the victims are still in shock.
“All the pictures of vacations of the past 10 years – all the things that turn a house into a home are gone. We have to start all over again.” Rickard noted.
The Office of the Fire Marshal is investigating. And the fire task force – set up in November after a string of arsons in the same neighbourhood – is using a profiler to help ID the firebug.
If you know of anyone who was in the area between 4am and 5am, call 11 Division 416-808-1136 or CrimeStoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477), to remain anonymous.
